Reading Time: 2 min read

3 out of 5 stars

Luke Bryan, Born Here Live Here Die Here [Photo Credit: Capitol Nashville]In advance of his 7th studio LP, Born Here, Live Here, Die Here, Luke Bryan releases a 4th promo single, the ‘drink-heavy’ “One Margarita.”

“Lettin’ go a little, little by little / Sippin’ on a frozen drink.” Yeah, Luke Bryan is no stranger to singing about, or partaking in, alcoholic consumption. “One Margarita,” the fourth single from his seventh studio album, Born Here, Live Here, Die Here (arrives April 24, 2020) is no exception.  Rather than sing about beer – one of his favorite topics – he opts for margarita(s).

As is the expectation of a Luke Bryan song, the production is strong – high budget.  Thankfully, Bryan has laid to rest the pop-crossover sound, embracing the ‘country’ sound firmly.  The sound is guitar-heavy, with banjo, dashes of organ, and pummeling drums – not programming! I say all of this to say, the sound should appeal to country fanbase, as this is a song that is tailor made to the base.

Beyond the sound, Bryan is true to self, again thematically, and vocally.  His sound is heavy on twang, which, again, plays to the base. If you’re a fan of his ‘good ole southern boy’ charm and voice, well, you’ll be onboard with “One Margarita.”  He does nothing drastically different from anything he’s done in the past.  In other words, he doesn’t move the needle.  You can decide for yourself if that’s positive or not-so positive.  But basically, this is your beached-out, spring break joint from a man approaching his mid-40s.  Exhibit A – the chorus:

“One margarita, two margarita, three margarita, shot
Don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow
Leave all your sorrow out here on the floatin’ dock
When that sun lays down, we’ll be on our way
One more barefoot round, one more last chance to say
Hey Señorita, don’t you think we need a salt and a Marley song?
One margarita, two margarita, three margarita
We’ll be gone
We’ll be gone.”

Final Thoughts 

If I haven’t made it crystal clear, “One Margarita” won’t change your life – understatement.  This is a respectable Luke Bryan song, one that should appeal to his fan base. At this point, however, Bryan has shown the complete deck of cards – he doesn’t move the needle.  The song is enjoyable by all means, but definitely NOT transcendent in the least.

3 out of 5 stars


Luke Bryan • Born Here, Live Here, Die Here • Capitol Nashville • Release: 4.24.20
Photo Credit: Capitol Nashville

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.